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WATCH: Chris Christie Isn't a Bully, Still Doesn't Believe in Marriage Equality

WATCH: Chris Christie Isn't a Bully, Still Doesn't Believe in Marriage Equality

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The New Jersey governor sat down with CBS for a wide-ranging interview ahead of an expected 2016 presidential bid.

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New Jersey governor Chris Christie is many things, but delicate isn't one of them. The Republican leading a heavily Democratic East Coast state has made a reputation for himself by calling out stupidity, often outright calling people "idiot," "jerk," "stupid," or "crazy."

But that doesn't make him a bully, Christie told CBS's Tracy Smith Sunday. He's just a "fighter."

"I think a bully is abusive," explained Christie. "And a fighter is somebody who's willing to mix it up to defend his or her point of view."

When asked by Smith if he believes in same-sex marriage, Christie was characteristically blunt.

"I do not," replied the Republican governor, who vetoed a bipartisan marriage equality bill that landed on his desk in February 2012. "But what I will tell you is that I understand that good people of goodwill have a difference of opinion on this. And so my view is, put it on the ballot. Let the people decide."

Watch Christie's interview with CBS below, and jump to the 3:30 mark for his discussion of marriage equality -- which notably lacks any mention of last week's state court ruling that declared New Jersey must recognize marriages between same-sex couples. Hours after that ruling was published, Christie promised to appeal that ruling all the way to the state Supreme Court if necessary.

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Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.
Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.